Salvaging An Angel
By Shade
A/N: It seems every good author has written a completely AU, high school dama'esque fanfiction. I thought I'd try my hand at it. (Technically Kawatta Seisai wasn't AU). Without the internet I thought I would try my hand at beginning multiple fanfictions before updates since these updates will probably only come once a week and I hate updating more than one chapter at a time.
I hope this attempt at an AU will work out. The idea came to me while recalling the way some of my classmates were cracking jokes about 'fags'. This happens often but this particular class is full of...well...idiots with close-minded views of the world in general. The only way anyone homosexual at our school is even remotely accepted is if they're either flamboyant male stereotypes (accepted by females), lipstick stereotype lesbians (accepted by males), or simply in the closet. Sadly my school follows the majority of the population's views on the subject.
Humorous anecdote though, though painfully straight I'm rumored to be a lesbian due to the... . ;;...yaois I tend to read and my occasional debates with classmates. I didn't bother arguing with them on that point seeing as none of them were or are my friends and it doesn't seem like a very strong insult. Doesn't mean I'm not moving out of Georgia and the whole damn Bible Belt all together once I get the chance. But I digress.
The point is, kids and adults alike can be stupid and shallow. We're like animals with learned behavior, forming packs, and occasionally stalking pray and there's no more frightening jungle than high school. Anyone with a different sexual preferences, someone who's overweight, shy, or poor, they're all fair game even if this isn't their fault. We turn on others, turn on each other, and, for lack of a better work...suck...This is probably why so many AU fanfictions have been written. It's such a perfect backdrop for drama. There's no angst like teen angst.
Squall Leinhart stared at the overhead lazily, jotting something down every now and then. He wasn't taking much interest in the subject. His history teacher had one of those monotonous voices that put Ben Stein to shame. Squall's eyelids felt heavy but he managed to keep his head up and despite not paying attention he was an excellent student.
Of course, due to his withdrawn nature, everyone assumed Squall was some geeky, genius, loner. Sure he made A's but it certainly wasn't because he studied and he certainly didn't need anymore rumors with his name tacked on for good measure.
Some snickering provoked Squall to glance back and he managed to catch several familiar boys nodding his way and whispering among themselves. It seemed Squall had developed a sixth sense that allowed him to hone in on any jokes at his expense made in his general area. He wished he could live life oblivious to their teasing. Ignorance so often went underrated.
Squall faced the front of the class again, in time with another suppressed life from the boys in the back. When the bell rang he packed up his things, purposely allowing everyone to leave before he stood and went into the hallway himself. The fluorescent lighting was painful, drawing him out of his daze and forcing him to one side of the hallway lest he be trampled by the flood of students.
"Excuse me," He murmured, edging around one corner and trying to squeeze between people to get to his locker.
"'Scuse us," Someone moved past Squall, pushing his way between the people brashly, forcing them to move over as he entered a combination he knew by heart "There ya go," The locker swung open and Zell Dincht stepped back, flashing a huge grin at his friend.
"Thanks," Squall muttered, stepping forward then placing books into his locker and then taking several out.
Zell leaned back against several lockers that had just been vacated "You need to learn how to stand up for yourself."
Squall rolled his eyes, closing his locker and stepping back "Maybe you need to learn how to be patient." The two couldn't be more different. Zell wore his hair bleached and spiked, a friendly look perpetually upon his face. Squall on the other hand didn't pay much mind to his hair. It often hid his face so that few actually got a good look at him. His own face seldom showed expression much less anything even remotely friendly. And while Zell wore cutoffs and silkscreen t-shirts Squall's wardrobe consisted of solid colors, generally white or black. Yet Zell was one of Squall's only friends. They had grown up together and despite the fact that Zell was moderately popular he insisted upon spending time with Squall. It was painfully obvious for him that Zell might raise in status if it wasn't for their time together.
"Yeah, yeah, now hurry up. It's almost lunchtime," Zell heard the bell ring, waved a quick goodbye and hurried down the hall.
Squall watched the other go then hugged his books to his chest and started down the hallway. Glancing back once more he accidentally collided with a much taller teen, forcing him to shift to one side.
The boy scowled "Watch where you're going," he growled, walking on and grumbling something about a "fucking fag," once he was past, not bothering to lower his voice. Squall still appeared indifferent, moving along to his next class.
Squall crumpled the cellophane his sandwich had been in and scanned the lunchroom. The general crowd was there and he allowed his eyes to settle upon the group of boys from his history class. Most of them were in this lunch and most of them were also jocks. They were always laughing, usually at someone else or some crude joke. Squall knew them by name as did the rest of the school. Steven, Irvine, John, Miles, Ian, and...Squall's eyes paused at the last member of their small clique...Seifer Almasy.
If there was a leader of the group that would be him. He kept the other boys in check, prompted them into teasing another, or decided where they went. Perhaps it was because, in Squall's opinion, he seemed to be the cruelest. It was a pity really. Squall had always found the blonde's resemblance startlingly similar to an angel. He was tall, with a lean, slight muscular build. His voice was low and smooth, his eyes the deepest green Squall had ever seen.
"You've got a thing for him huh?"
Squall tore his gaze away from Seifer and looked to Selphie. She was Zell's girlfriend and much sharper than her boyfriend when it came to matters such as these. Zell was currently busy with his second hotdog and wasn't interested enough in his friend's love life to listen in. Squall didn't answer but it didn't seem he needed to.
"He is handsome," Selphie commented, studying him from a distance herself.
This much seemed to interest Zell "Waff?" He quickly covered his mouth and tried to quickly chew and swallow.
Squall shrugged "I know. He clearly knows it too."
Seifer was currently giving a wily smirk to the several attractive young ladies who had just joined them.
Selphie laughed and bit into an apple as Zell gave her a worried look.
"He's outta your league anyway," Zell had been aware of Squall's sexual preference for years and though still slightly reluctant to discuss it he would offer the occasional blunt bit of advice.
"Zell!" Selphie glowered "Well, am I out of your league?"
"Of course you're not," Zell answered casually, going back to eating.
Selphie only shrieked angrily and stood, taking the rest of her lunch with her "I'm going to the library," She said quickly before storming from the cafeteria completely.
Squall watched Zell for a full minute before speaking up "Aren't you going to go after her?"
His friend looked up, casting a helpless look to the door "She just went to the library. Probably had to finish a paper or somethin'. Besides, I'm not through eating."
Squall couldn't help but smile at his friend's own naivety "Are you still driving me home today?" Squall owned his own car but it would be in the shop for the next week. Zell had promised to take him home during this period of time but the 'oops' expression that was coming across the other's face told him otherwise.
"Selphie's in that play man. I promised her I'd help with light's when the last guy dropped out," His tone was apologetic "I can't leave until, at least, six. Sorry man."
This was a set back. Squall couldn't say he wasn't disappointed "It's fine. It isn't that far home and it's still warm outside. I can walk."
"You sure man? I can tell Selphie I'll just be a little late," Zell was generally good about keeping his word but Squall shook his head.
"You need all the points you can get with her," Squall stood, gauging that the next bell was about to ring "I'll be fine."
Zell narrowed his eyes in confusion "Points for what?"
It was raining. Squall hadn't counted on that. The downpour had drenched Squall through and the ground was slick and soggy beneath his feet as he walked alongside the road. Aside from the occasional passing car there were no people to be seen. Squall considered hitchhiking but knew no one would want someone soaking their appolstry and he was beyond a little damp right now. He considered moving into the cover of the trees as well. They weren't fall away but the hill that led to them was much to steep and was probably much too slick right now to be safe.
He needed to get home quickly. His book bag wasn't waterproof. If he wasn't fast enough his textbooks would be ruined and he would be stuck with a hefty fine. He squinted his eyes against the wind and rain and continued forward. It was only when a truck pulled in front of him that he stopped. When he stepped back he realized that a car had pulled into the grass beside him as well. He slipped and fell against the hood. This provoked laughter from the pickup as the windows rolled down and a familiar face leaned out "I told you to watch where you're going fag!"
Funny. Squall winced and straightened. He looked back to the car to see Seifer get out of the driver's side and step onto the grass. Ian, Steven, and John filed out as well. Only the guy he recognized from school got out of the truck, Irvine staying inside and shutting off the engine.
"Didn't even apologize at school," The stranger said sarcastically, grinning as rough hands shoved Squall off the hood of the car and onto the ground.
"At least he didn't dent my car," Seifer smirked as Squall pulled himself up off the grass only to have his book bag ripped away by Steven.
Squall wasn't provoked so easily "I'm sorry then," He said calmly, clearly upsetting the group. They wanted him angry, annoyed, maybe in tears. This was no fun.
Seifer stepped forward and took the book bag from Steven "Come on. Why'd we even pull over. We were supposed to have fun tonight not just pick on some kid," He hurled the book bag down the hill and into the wooded area. His friends began to laugh seeing Squall's somewhat surprised expression and Seifer beamed "So he is alive. Maybe it is worth it, seeing a little bitch like this actually get pissed off," He began to laugh again but when a fist connected with his face he paused, stunned.
Squall pulled back his fist a second time but Ian caught him from behind "Well, the little queer can throw a mean punch huh?"
"Careful he doesn't get off by you holding him like that," John began to laugh himself but stopped as Ian yelped and backed away, clutching his hand.
"He fucking bit me!" He looked through the rain as Squall began to run but Seifer intercepted him, shoving him back to the ground and punching him when he tried to get back up.
"This is out of hand guys, get back in," Irvine was still sitting in the truck, looking around for anyone who might catch them at this.
"Like hell we're letting this go now!" The stranger kicked Squall in the stomach as he lie there and looked to Seifer "Don't you think this fucker needs to be taught a lesson?"
"Well we can't just let him go now," Seifer agreed with another smirk.
Squall had rose shakily as they spoke and was backing away, looking for any sort of opening but they had it all closed off. His foot slipped in the mud and he realized just how close he was to the ledge near the woods. He took a step back forward only to feel another fist connect with his face. He stumbled on the edge but kept his ground, doubling over slightly. Squall could see his own blood now, watering down and falling from his face with the rain. He heard the Seifer's laughter then the other's boy's. He felt another punch, heard a few last words "Get up!" Then one last kick. Then he felt himself fall backwards, the ground connect with his back, arms, head, front, then back again. The air against him was cold and gave each impact an icy quality. The world spun and his lips parted though it had all been much to sudden for a scream. It was over just as quickly. Squall's head connected with the side of a tree and reality blinked itself out.
"Squall, hey Squall. Please wake up. Oh God, don't be dead, come on, you'll be all right."
Squall heard a familiar voice. Where was he? He opened his eyes or tried to. They were sticky with something. He suddenly remembered everything and realized it was probably blood.
"You're awake! You're awake aren't you? Say something."
Who was that? There were hands on his shoulders. He forced his eyes partially open. Jade green eyes and blonde hair "An angel...ironic..."
"What?" Seifer Almasy put one hand behind Squall's head as it began to tilt back "Come on kid, stay awake. Can you get up, no of course you can't get up."
He was panicking, Squall realized. Was he in such bad shape? He was pretty sure Seifer would get kicked off the football team if he were to die here.
"We need to get you out of here, to a hospital or something. Can you move at all? Is anything broken? This I can carry you?"
Squall stared at him, still dazed and confused. None of his words really registered but he did know it was cold and could see Seifer's breath crystallizing before his face "I'm cold."
"Yeah," Seifer paused, looking around. It didn't seem he could wait for a real answer. He lifted Squall up but stopped when the other cried out "I'm going to leave you here, all right? I'll be back."
"No!" The trees were blocking most of the rain but there was no way he was going to let Seifer just leave him here. He wouldn't put it past him not to come back.
"You're gonna have to hold onto me then," Seifer lifted him again. Squall held his breath this time though the pain was evident on his face. When Squall opened his eyes he saw Seifer wince. The back of his head was bloody. The rain was creating an odd substance with the coagulated blood and seemed to pour slowly towards the ground. "God," Seifer shifted Squall to one arm and lifted his letterman jacket from the ground. It had been under Squall's head until now and he quickly put in back into place. "Hold on, all right?"
Squall dropped his head to Seifer's chest and swung one arm around his neck. It took a good ten minutes for Seifer to climb to the top carrying Squall. The hill was steep and muddy. Even once he found a root he could use to climb up he had to lean back lest Squall loose his grip and slip away. The rain was still pouring down and when a root snapped Seifer held Squall closer so that when he fell onto his back the fall didn't shake him too much.
Once at the top Seifer opened the back door and laid Squall across the seats. He climbed in after him, leaning over the other with the same concerned expression from before "How ya doin'?"
Squall couldn't find the words to answer but drowsily scanned his surroundings. Where was everyone else?
"Damnit!" Seifer climbed out and closed the door. Squall watched sleepily as he rounded the car at a run, got in, and pulled out onto the road "Stay awake. Don't you dare fall asleep here me?"
"Yeah," Squall wasn't aware of much anymore. He knew Seifer was awake, knew they were going much too fast. Some time later he felt the car come to a stop. Seifer got out but didn't come to the door. He left me. He's gone. He left me out here to die. Squall felt his heart begin to pound and panic well up within him. He put one hand desperately to the window and it didn't help once he took note of the trail of blood it left. Seifer come back...Seifer... The door opened and his arm fell back. Steady hands slid him out of the back seat and onto a stretcher. He looked up but it wasn't Seifer who he saw. Two men were talking to one another, saying something about a fall and the cops.
He was still cold, colder now. He'd been warmer with Seifer. He wanted that back. His head fell to one side and caught a faint glimpse of a worried looking blonde, a receptionist gripping his wrist in warning as he tried to follow. Their eyes met and once that was broken Squall felt his consciousness begin to slip again. Seifer vanished completely when he was wheeled into a room lit with those damn, dizzying fluorescent lights. Everything blinked out.
A/N: Why can't I write during the daytime? I finished a chapter of Enigmatic Hatred and the first chapter of this all in one sitting...with quite a few short breaks of course...Nevermind that it's almost 3 AM. When you need to write, you need to write. I've been away from fanfiction much too long. So how is this so far? I didn't do a whole hell of a lot of planning before hand but I have a general idea of where the story's going now. I hope this is a decent beginning. Heh, I really didn't have a clue what I was writing until the end of that lunchroom scene.